Cricket St Thomas Country House Hotel, Somerset
Chard
Reviewed by Helen
A fun filled country escape, great for your grown up getaway!
Cricket St Thomas is a luxury 4 star country house hotel set in 160 acres of grade II parkland. Right in the heart of rural Somerset, this is one hour from Exeter and close to many of Somerset's famed attractions such as the magical Stonehenge, sweeping sandy beaches and epic and wild countryside. Perfect for a luxury escape to experience the quiet cider life in sleepy Somerset.
I arrived on a late sunny autumn afternoon, and took a walk around the impressive gardens and lakes before the sun slipped away. This is an elegant grade II listed Victorian mansion, famed in more recent times, for its "To the Manor Born" filming.
As part of the Warner Leisure Hotels collection, you can relax and unwind in your indulgent luxury getaway. This Somerset hideaway does not accept any guests under the age of 21. The focus is on providing you and your partner with luxury accommodation, fine dining options in a stunning countryside setting. You will also have a wonderful choice of exciting and enthralling activities and entertainment. There is a wide range of activities available throughout the year to suit all tastes so please check out the programme when planning your dates.
This is the perfect recipe for your grown up getaway!
As with the other hotels in this collection you will be spoilt for choice with the vast range of activities on offer, when planning your luxury getaway. As well as the indoor pool and fitness centre, there are also some fabulous experiences and classes to treat yourselves to such as Whisky tasting, Salsa, Art classes, Digital Photography, Photoshop and for something really great (and productive) to share with the kids when you get back home - chicken keeping classes! From here there are also day trips out to Exeter and other surrounding places of interest. For something more challenging and dynamic there is a Hot Air Balloon experience.
There are also several highly popular VIP concert nights, as well as Comedy and Cabaret nights planned throughout the year. If you are celebrating an extra special occasion, then you can also upgrade and book a front row VIP table with Champagne and waiter service.
Alternatively, you may choose to come here just for the truly relaxing and pampering luxury getaway, in which case, you can always relax after dinner in the tranquil Old House bar with a night cap or a cocktail or two.
Accommodation and mini break packages have been designed to give you a choice to match your budget. Rooms are graded from Standard Rooms - which are modern and crisp and clean, the more premium Signature Rooms providing you with an elegant and contemporary environment - some have patios overlooking the beautiful gardens- perfect for a glass of Champagne before dinner. Historic Rooms offer a unique character and charm taken from the history of the Old House. These rooms include indulgent additions such as roll top baths, LCD TVs and luxury linens.
Your break here includes Full English and continental breakfast and a three course evening meal. For dining options, there is Fenocchi's which is a contemporary restaurant serving fine traditional Italian cooking with a modern twist. The recently refurbished Tree Tops Restaurant provides a wide range of British cuisine in a bright and airy setting. I enjoyed the salmon from the carvery and the wide selection vegetables and salads to accompany it. The service (for a restaurant with about 100 covers) was very attentive and friendly. For afternoon teas or Champagne and strawberries, then you can while away the time in the Hamilton's Tea Rooms and Terrace Bar.
Cricket St Thomas has something for everyone for your grown up getaway, whether it's a romantic country break, a weekend away with the girls or an enlightening and memorable activity experience with friends. Please check out the hotel website for further information.